In what can only be described as a truly woeful performance by the British and Irish Lions they have somehow managed to lose to an under strength Brumbies side in Canberra.
While most of the Lions XV failed to show any sort of form or commitment, including late call ups Brad Barritt (who was on holidays in America) Billy Twelvetrees and Shane Williams, some players did put some effort in and as such will be rewarded with a place in the match day 23 for Saturdays 1st test V Australia.
Playing their way in...
Rob Kearney
First full game on tour and lacked a little bit of match fitness, he was huffing and puffing a lot towards the end. Showed flashes of his form from last year successfully chasing down high balls and showing his prowess in the air as well as going forward in attack. With injuries to Tommy Bowe and George North looking set to keep them out of contention for Saturday's game, plus a whole host of injuries throughout the back line Kearney could well have played himself into the 23 ahead of Simon Zebo and Sean Maitland.
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Toby Faletau
Although he looks to have lost out on selection in the starting number 8 role to Irish man Jamie Heaslip, the young Toby Faletau continues to impress and hasn't put a foot wrong on tour and deserves at least a place on the bench. Sean O'Brien and Justin Tipuric, the other back rowers looking for spots on the bench will have something to say about this, unfortunately for 2 of the 3 this will mean playing for the midweek team.
Playing their way out...
Rory Best
The Irish hooker had a complete nightmare throwing into the lineout and all but ruled himself out of test contention. Lost 6 throws and wasn't as dynamic in the loose or as powerful in the scrum as we have come to know. Seems lacking in confidence at the moment and just wasn't hitting the 6'10 Richie Gray with accuracy. Granted the lineout woes weren't all his fault but didn't show enough elsewhere to budge the dynamic Tom Youngs and the solid Richard Hibbard.
Stuart Hogg
Fair enough he was thrown in at the deep end being forced to play out half against a strong Brumbies back line, kicked from the tee well but showed a lack of control when things got tough around him. Showed a lack of experience when the new tourists on his outside were faltering, something he will develop with experience in the 10 shirt. Might just have been outshone by Kearney for the last place on the bench.
